WELCOME is a 2 year Grundtvig Lifelong Learning Partnership funded by the European Union. The partnership includes 6 organisations from Germany, the Czech Republic, Romania and the UK.

The objectives of this learning partnership are:1) to make adult education centers more welcoming for learners with a disability - through awareness raising and professionalization of educational and management staff.2) to build up networks between education centers and associations for disabled people, thus improving the participation rate and the inclusion of adult learners with a disability into adult education. You can find out more background at the project website HERE.

This page features information, views and opinions focusing on disabled people and adult education in Cumbria and the UK.

The Social Model of Disability By Grant CarsonInteresting discussion document which highlights the social barriers that affect disabled people.

"How do adult learners with disabilities access opportunities in Cumbria?"

Judith Holmshaw talks about her experiences and the support needs of disabled people.

"How do adult learners with disabilities access opportunities in Cumbria?"

Kevin Pardell talks about becoming a Learning Champion to help support fellow service users at COSC, a provider of day care for adults with various disabilities in West Cumbria.

Talk is an award-winning 12 minute film which challenges misconceptions about disability in a creative and entertaining way. Although several years old, it is still a thought provoking insight into how disabled people are viewed by able bodied society.

As part of the community learning champions programme, COSC in partnership with the Johnston Partnership, WEA and Variety Town have produced a resource that looks at learning opportunities available online. Click HERE to check it out.

"How do adult learners with disabilities access opportunities in Cumbria?"

Marc McKinnion from Haltwhistle Films talks about Film Able, a project that gives real film making experience to disabled people in the north of England.

"How do adult learners with disabilities access opportunities in Cumbria?"

Jonathan Elliott is one of the first adults with learning disabilities to gain a teaching qualification in England. Now Jonathan uses his skill and experience to teach other adults with learning disabilities about their rights!

Click on the picture to open the Ministry of Justice Guide on human rights.

To find out more about Haltwhistle Film project and Film Able, click the logos above.

"How do adult learners with disabilities access opportunities in Cumbria?"

Kris Brenan, centre manager of Adult Education Carlisle talks about access and other issues at the Centre for community and continuing education, based in Trinity School, Carlisle.